Walking down the path, Atticus led the way while Momousagi followed a few steps behind him. They were both attractive in their own distinct ways, yet the air between them felt strangely awkward.
Atticus had never been good at socializing. He was a lone wolf by nature. Joking around or knowing how to make someone comfortable was far outside his skill set, even when the person beside him was a beautiful young woman.
Momousagi eyed his straight, tall back with a mixture of amusement and helplessness.
"Momousagi, don't worry. I'll pay you back ten times the Berries I borrowed today." Atticus finally spoke, breaking the silence.
"No problem at all." She forced a small smile, her tone soft but slightly uneasy.
"Atticus, why did you borrow money anyway?"
"A gift for Master's wife and son." His reply sounded almost embarrassed. He slowed his steps so they walked side by side.
"Huh? You haven't visited Admiral Zephyr's house this whole time?" Momousagi stared at him, wide-eyed.
"This… well…" Atticus awkwardly rubbed the tip of his nose, glancing away. "I just didn't know."
"That's because all you ever do is train, train, and more training." She nodded knowingly, as if everything suddenly made sense to her.
When they reached the entrance to the women's dormitory, Atticus stopped. "I won't go in. You can grab it for me."
"Alright. Wait here." Momousagi hopped inside lightly.
––––––––––
By dusk, Atticus found himself standing in front of a modest three-story home, both arms full of gifts from head to toe. Even Zephyr carried a few small items that Atticus had insisted on bringing.
"Ding dong… ding dong…"
"Coming." A soft, warm voice drifted from behind the door before it opened. A gentle woman in comfortable home clothes appeared.
"You're back." She quickly stepped aside for Zephyr, smiling brightly.
"Yes. Something came up today so I'm a little late." Zephyr's reply held a note of quiet happiness.
She then turned her gaze toward Atticus and her smile grew even warmer. "And this must be Atticus. You're quite handsome. You didn't need to bring anything. Come inside."
"Ah… hello, Shimu-san." Atticus lowered his head slightly, his awkwardness obvious.
"Come in, come in. Dinner is almost ready."
"Mama, Mama!" A cheerful cry echoed as a small figure rushed out. A chubby-cheeked little boy flung his arms around Zephyr's leg, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Were you good today?" Zephyr asked, picking him up and kissing his cheek with fatherly affection.
"Yes. I listened to Mama." The boy answered seriously, his tiny eyebrows furrowing with importance.
"Atticus," Zephyr said, "this is the Junior Brother you've wanted to meet."
"What's his name?" Atticus placed the gifts down and smiled at the boy, who stared back at him with curious round eyes.
"Everyone calls him Little Star."
Atticus crouched down. "Come here, Little Star. Let your brother hold you."
But Little Star tilted his head, clearly unsure.
Zephyr laughed. "It's alright. He just isn't familiar with you yet. After you two play a bit he'll warm up."
"Dinner's ready," Shimu called from the kitchen.
"Come on," Zephyr said. "Try Shimu's cooking. It's good."
"Okay."
At the table, Atticus stared helplessly at the mountain of food in his bowl while two pairs of eyes, one large and one small, watched him expectantly.
"Eat more, Atticus." Shimu kept adding food without pause, still smiling.
"Shimu, that's enough. Please eat too."
"Zephyr told me you have a large appetite. So I made plenty. Don't worry."
Atticus nodded and kept eating while they continued watching him with affectionate fascination. In the end, he nearly choked from trying to keep up.
Later, in the living room, Atticus held a cup of hot tea and bowed his head slightly. "Shimu, I'm sorry it took me so long to visit."
"It's alright. Your Shifu told me everything. You poor child. I can't imagine how much you've endured." Her fingers gently traced the three scars on his cheek, heartache in her voice.
Atticus instantly froze, his face turning bright red.
"Pfft." Zephyr practically spat out his tea, bursting into laughter. "I didn't think you'd get shy like that!"
Atticus wished he could sink into the floor.
Shimu shot Zephyr a mild glare before turning back to Atticus. "Everyone in the Marines says Zephyr-sama picked up a remarkable disciple. Hard-working and disciplined. I've always wanted to meet you. From now on, make sure you rest too. Overworking your body isn't good. And remember, this home is always open to you."
"Thank you, Shimu."
"Mama," Little Star tugged Shimu's sleeve, whispering loudly, "is he really strong?"
"You should call him brother," she corrected gently. "Your brother is one of the strongest trainees in the entire Naval Academy."
"Really?"
Atticus smiled. "Little Star, I brought you a few gifts. See if you like them." He pulled out strange toys and snacks until the boy's eyes sparkled like stars.
That night, under a sky full of brilliant constellations, Atticus and Little Star faced off in the living room.
"I am the great pirate Chris. Little Marine, state your name." Atticus pointed a toy stick at the boy, his expression stern but playful.
"Hmph. I am Admiral Little Star. Surrender now. For justice, I can spare your life." The three-year-old puffed out his chest, gripping a toy gun like a real Marine.
"What? Could you be the legendary undefeated Admiral?" Atticus gasped dramatically.
"That's me." Little Star nodded proudly. "Are you scared now?"
"Hmph. Chris will never surrender. Let's settle this."
"Attack!"
"Charge!"
They clashed in the most exaggerated battle imaginable. Within minutes, Atticus raised both hands behind his head, pretending defeat.
"Papa, Papa, I defeated brother!" Little Star cheered.
"Yes, Little Star is the strongest." Shimu stroked his hair lovingly before smiling at Atticus. "Come sit down. You must be tired from playing with him."
"I'm fine." Atticus sat and patted the space beside him. "Little Star, come here. Bro will tell you the story of Two Tigers."
"Yay!"
The room filled with warmth. Ordinary, peaceful, familial warmth. Atticus cherished it deeply. Whenever he had free time afterward, he returned to eat meals and play with Little Star.
Half a month passed in this quiet routine until the day of the competition finally arrived…